Acting Ukrainian President Signs Order For Military Draft

Acting Ukrainian President Oleksandr Turchynov has signed an order reinstating military conscription as pro-Russian separatist groups continue to storm and seize government buildings in eastern Ukraine.

Turchynov signed the order on May 1.

The order comes into effect immediately.

Turchynov said in a statement the move was necessary "given the deteriorating situation in the east and the south ... the rising force of armed pro-Russian units and the taking of public administration buildings ... which threaten territorial integrity."

Ukrainian police and security forces in eastern Ukraine have found themselves in a delicate situation as they are expected to defend state buildings but reluctant to use force against pro-Russian demonstrators, fearing that could trigger an invasion of Russian forces currently massed along the two countries' border.